More safety with Photoluminescent Bike Lane Markings
A first in Austria's federal state of Burgenland:
SWARCO applied specially developed markings that glow in the dark to a cycle path along the country road B62.
Evening and night hours are always a big challenge for cyclists: roads are often poorly lit or have no lighting at all, especially outside urban areas. In many cases, road markings can only be recognized at the very last moment in the weak glow of the small headlights. As a result, the risk of accidents increases.
SWARCO Road Marking Systems, together with the pigment specialist NighTec, has developed a solution for such situations: SWARCOGLOW. This trailblazing solution increases traffic safety on unlit streets and roads thanks to photoluminescence.
The SWARCOGLOW markings have recently been installed to provide more safety on the cycle path between Lackendorf and Horitschon in the Austrian federal state of Burgenland. The photoluminescent system glows in the dark after storing the UV light of the sun's energy during the day.
Copyright: SWARCO Road Marking Systems
Briefly explained: photoluminescence
SWARCOGLOW markings store the sun's UV light during the day and release it again as luminosity when it gets dark. Best of all, this process can be repeated an infinite number of times. This enables clear marking of cycle paths without the need for additional energy sources. The yellow-green luminous effect lasts for up to 10 hours and can be intensified even further with special treatment. This sustainable alternative to artificial lighting is particularly suitable for marking dangerous turns and high-risk accident black spots. SWARCOGLOW thus enables better orientation in the dark without additional energy consumption.
A triple-layer system
The ideal solution to increase road safety for cyclists on the cycle path along the country road B62 between Lackendorf and Horitschon: In autumn 2024, a two-component SWARCOGLOW paint system was applied along this route. This application marked a first in the Austrian federal state of Burgenland. The applied system consists of three layers (primer, paint and UV varnish) and contains special pigments that provide the crucial photoluminescent effect while being free of toxins.
“SWARCOGLOW offers an invaluable safety advantage, especially in rural or poorly lit areas,” emphasises Karlheinz Fasching, who supervised the project for SWARCO. “Since no external power supply is necessary, there is no additional energy consumption. The system is practically maintenance-free and durable.” With SWARCOGLOW, cyclists between Lackendorf and Horitschon can look forward to a bright future.
About SWARCO Road Marking Systems
Quality products and services from SWARCO Road Marking Systems guide traffic safely from A to B by day and, above all, by night. On all types of roads. Whatever the weather. From a single source. Over 5,000 customers in more than 80 countries place their trust in them.
